The old African proverb tells us that “it takes a village to raise a child” — Akayla McQuire has certainly had a village supporting and

championing her pathway into the tourism industry.

It takes a village to raise a child...

Akayla began a school based traineeship aged 15 with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, the peak body for tourism in the state. At the time Akayla was not aware of the extent of the tourism industry, or the opportunities it can offer. Yet she entered the industry willing to give it her best shot.

Initially quiet and reserved, Akayla was responsible for business administration. Through the support of Office Manager Claire Brown and with the new friendship with Kayla Sands, QTIC receptionist, that Akayla was pushed out her comfort zone and her shell. Building trust, mentoring and creating teams are core principles in creating a positive and thriving work environment.

On completing school Akayla began work with Corroboree at Dreamworld. Akayla was taken in under the guidance of Marty — mentorship is the best path to career success. The cultural elements of the job really drove Akayla to learn as much as possible. She realises that she didn’t have too much to do with her culture growing up, but this role has given her the opportunity to learn about her heritage.

Looking to the future, Akayla has a strong sense of what she wants to achieve. Education is an important part of her pathway. Career progression is also important to this determined young lady with a desire to continue up the line at Corrobboree. From there who knows where the wind will blow this talented lady!

Girls’ group School-basedtraineeship

Networkingfunctions Corroboree

Timeline

QTIC Indigenous Tourism Employment ProgramSUPPORTED BY THE STAR ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

MARTY ERMERIndigenous Mentor and Curator at Corrobboree

Corrobboree is designed to help people learn about culture and pass it on in the right way.

Mentoring is important to guide, teach and support the next generation of leaders.

When we first met Akayla she had ability, aptitude and respect and a cheeky personality, we knew immediately that she was going to go places.

Through her time at QTIC Akayla learnt that she can achieve anything that she puts her mind to. She came out of her shell, learnt some important lessons. She will go on to be a well-respected member of her community and she will achieve in her football as well as her professional life.

The biggest challenge of being a mentor is doing as you say. You need to be hard, teach people how to earn respect, but also offer opportunities. Help out wherever you can, and offer help and support. People need help sometimes; it can be five minutes or on-going over a number of years.

The biggest piece of advice “remain positive, no matter what comes your way, if you give it a go there are people to help, if you stand back other people will come and take what you have been working for, stand forward and be positive”.

Surround yourself with strong role models Don’t be afraid to ask for a mentor Take advantage of opportunities that come your way Work during school (whether it is casual/internship/traineeship) Be yourself, build your confidence, be involved

Akayla’s checklist for success...

Queensland Tourism Industry CouncilLevel 5, 189 Grey Street, South Brisbane 4101 / qtic.com.au / info@qtic.com.au / 07 3236 1445

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is the peak body for Queensland tourism industry, providing strong voice for Queensland’s tourism, hospitality and accommodation operators. We work with business owners, industry bodies, government and the community to build a sustainable, world-class tourism industry for Queensland.

CLAIRE BROWN

Office Manager & Executive Assistant at QTIC

Successful trainees tend to have strong support systems — families that identify the value in the program, schools that are willing to facilitate the program and assist students in maintaining high standards across their studies, a trainer who is willing to invest in their students, an employer that understands the value of the program and has the capacity to nurture the trainee and finally a mentor to guide the student overall. Whilst not all trainees will have all the mentioned support, the more that is offer the greater the chance of success.